Do you like Japanese sake? Here at Mashiko, you can explore the rich world of sake at Tonoike Sake Brewery. Located in the heart of Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, the brewery offers a unique opportunity to learn about the sake-making process and taste a variety of authentic, locally produced sakes. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a newcomer, this experience will surely captivate your interest.
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Yukiyo Kaneko
The owner of the blueberry farm “Blueberry, Satoyama and…”. Bathed in plenty of sunlight, the farm features around 40 varieties of blueberries, offering a fresh, juicy taste straight from nature. While savoring the delicious berries, visitors can paint on a large canvas, relax, and soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Under the bright blue sky, people return year after year to create unforgettable summer memories.
Tonoike Sake Brewery: A Historic Taste of Mashiko
Tonoike Sake Brewery is a historic brewery that Mashiko Town proudly calls its own. It started in 1829 when the Tonoike family opened “Tonoike Sogoro Shoten” in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. In 1937, they established “Tonoike Sake Brewery.” in Mashiko Town. Today, Shigeki Tonoike runs the brewery as the third-generation owner.
Great Japanese sake needs fresh rice and pure water. Tonoike Sake Brewery uses locally grown rice and fresh well water to create a smooth and refined flavor.
Tradition and Innovation in Every Sip
Here are three signature Japanese sake brands from Tonoike Sake Brewery.
Sanran (燦爛)
“Sanran” means “brilliantly shining.” This name reflects the brewery’s hope that those who enjoy this sake will feel vibrant and radiant.
Flavor: Sanran offers a wide range of flavors, from dry and rich to light and sweet. You can enjoy it in different ways to suit your taste.
Tonoike AUTHENTIC
Most sake production involves pressing the moromi (a fermented mixture of sake mash, rice malt, steamed rice, and water) to extract the liquid. However, Tonoike AUTHENTIC takes a different approach. Instead of pressing, it collects only the natural drops that seep out on their own, creating a sake with a unique character.
Flavor: Rich and fruity.
Nozomi (望)
Launched in 2012, Nozomi explores new possibilities in sake brewing. It has three key features:
- Unfiltered: Most Japanese sake goes through filtration to become clear, but this process reduces depth of flavor. Nozomi skips filtration, keeping its full-bodied richness.
- 16% Alcohol Content: A longer fermentation period naturally increases alcohol content. After testing different levels, the brewers found that 16% brings out the best flavor, so every Nozomi sake has 16% alcohol.
- No Added Alcohol: Some sake includes added brewing alcohol for a cleaner taste, but Nozomi relies solely on rice and rice malt. This results in a pure Junmai Ginjo sake with a rich, full-bodied character.
Flavor: Deep and rich, with a refreshing acidity that pairs well with food.
International shipping is not available, but online purchases are possible within Japan. Those living overseas who wish to buy can inquire through the contact box on the English site to be introduced to retailers. Check for details.
Tonoike Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting
You can take a tour of Tonoike Sake Brewery, with English-speaking tours available for an easy and enjoyable experience.
Tour Details
- Cost: 1,000 yen per person (1 hour)
- Reservations: Book online or by phone (English available for online bookings)
- Check-in: At the shop
- Tour: A staff member will guide you through the brewery
- Sake Tasting: Sample three types of sake, along with snacks
- Shopping: Browse the shop for unique souvenirs, including coffee made with the brewery’s water, sweet sake ice cream, sake lees-based snacks, and even sake-infused skincare products!
After the Interview
The tour lets you see how sake is made and the tools used in the process, giving you a unique behind-the-scenes experience. It feels like exploring a museum. After the tour, you can enjoy tasting three different types of sake at the café, where you can relax and unwind. The café is connected to a shop with many types of sake, making it fun to choose a souvenir. The tour is available in English, so please enjoy the experience.
Details:
Official Site: View Website
- Address: 333-1 Hanawa, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
